José Antonilez, a Spanish painter, studied under Francisco Rizi at
Madrid. When the latter was occupied in preparing some new scenery for
the theatre at Buon Retiro, Antonilez spoke of him as a painter of
foot-cloths--an expression which was soon communicated to his master.
Rizi immediately administered a wholesome practical rebuke, by
commanding the attendance of Antinolez on his Majesty's service, and
ordering him to execute a piece of painting in distemper. The unlucky
wag, being quite ignorant of the mode of performing the work, and too
proud to confess it, worked for a whole day, at the end of which he had
merely spoiled a large piece of canvas. "So, sir," said Rizi, quietly,
"you see painting foot-cloths is not so easy after all;" and turning to
his servant, added, "here, boy, take this canvas and carry it to the
cistern to be washed."